Jake's 11 a.m. meeting wrapped with his usual efficiency. His tone was clipped, his notes precise, and when he finally closed the file, the room exhaled as if relieved to be dismissed. Bella, who had been standing by the side with her tablet in hand, waited for his signal to leave.
Instead, Jake rose to his full height, buttoning his jacket with a practiced flick. His gray eyes found her immediately.
"Isabella," he said smoothly, "come with me. We're going to meet the important person now."
Now? Didn't he say after noon? Why the change?
Her brows lifted as though she wanted to ask all the questions in her head, but she gave a brisk nod instead.
"Yes, Mr. Stones," she said.
All she had to do was do as he commanded especially now that he was being professional. She told herself.
She gathered her tablet, notepad, and bag, trailing after him. Outside, the driver had already moved toward the car, but Jake lifted a hand.
"Not this time. I'll drive," he said simply.
